ULLABENULLA

Indian Summer

Somehow it doesn't seem like fall yet. It's been gorgeous here. Mild mornings building up to the mid-80's. As I rest I am also restless. I want to get back to some serious sculpting. I miss having my hands covered in clay and the hours running away in concentration. I sculpted this little "shoe mermaid baby" a few years ago. She was part of a series of "shoe dolls" and the only one I kept. (she once held a tiny seahorse toy in her fist, but it disappeared) She now rests under a sea-urchin lamp in our living room. I present her here in honor of these last few summer days, and in hopes of inspiring more to come...

Decorating for Halloween!

Sunday was a day of rest for me, having spent all of my energy - plus some - preparing for and selling at the show. My one goal was to get our own Halloween decorations out and up. My daughter did most of the display (pretty good for a 10 year old - don't you think?) while I sat quietly and watched. Here are a few shots of our growing collection...

My biggest French Birdcage now has a new 'Nicol Sayre' witch hat decoration, and is waiting for a flock of crows to arrive soon.

MS. Skeleton is looking sexy in her flimsy silk skirt. Eventually she'll get a crepe-paper dress, but for now this keeps her modesty in check...

Lots of Halloween 'Little's' scattered on the mantle and various surfaces...

And last but not least, my big purchase at the show, a pumpkin head with buzzy bee by 'Jack Roads'. I love his work!!!

Halloween show news

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE THIS YEARS 'HALLOWEEN AND VINE' SUCH A SUCCESS! It was amazingly wonderful to see so many of my students, friends and family. Thanks again for coming! Here are some photos from the show for you to enjoy. The first one is of my daughter in front of my booth. She and my Husband were wonderful help, especially when the crowds were thick!

Following are several random shots of some of my favorite artists. Enjoy!

There was soooo much to look at, it was quite overwhelming. I am grateful I could look at everyones work the night before at the preview, as many of my favorites sold out the first half hour!!!

Spooky inspiration

Although I have not put out my Halloween collection yet, I do have a few 'seasonal' things I keep up all year round. I made this wreath last year with fun glass berries, and 13 'insect magnets' that we carry at the Castle. I love that people need to look twice to be sure of what they are seeing!

I found this antique french wedding wreath chair at an antique store a few years ago. It is unusual in that the chair is green rather than the classic red. I recently added the santos hand and love the gothic feel it lends my bedroom 'shrine'.

More photos once I get my collection out of the garage and into the house....

Halloween Production

I almost made my goal of 100 pieces for this weekends show. My strength is at an all time low, so I finally decided - enough is enough. The reliquaries are all in the 1 1/2" by 2" range, give or take an inch. I managed to do 10 pairs of coffin earrings, thanks to Kim in Berkeley for the inspiration. Here are a few photos of some favorites. The earrings still need to be copper wrapped and soldered. Yes, those are real insects! Enjoy.

Halloween Show

HALLOWEEN AND VINE is less then one week away. Look at their sight for more information! www.halloweenandvine.com Unfortunately I managed to get a cold so I am working with less then half my normal energy. Here is a couple of shots of my Halloween Reliquaries in process for the show.

They need soldering and finishing. The reflections from the mica make them abit difficult to photograph, but hopefully you get the idea. Hope to have more pictures to show once I get my energy back.